Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. ~Hebrews 13:8
The photo above triggers so many joyful memories for me! When Mom and Dad retire in Oxford, Georgia, they purchase a rambling old home with a beautiful pool in the backyard. Children and grandchildren alike spend many summer hours splashing, diving and cooling off in the soothing water.
Dad was a stickler when it came to the pool's upkeep. He cleaned it frequently, and knew exactly the combination of chemicals required to keep the water safe and sanitary. Between tending his garden and the pool, he was one busy man!
Sadly, in 2012, Dad's Alzheimer's confined him to the house, and then to a hospital bed set up in his office, with round-the-clock nurses in attendance. Dad went home to Jesus in March of 2014. Not a day goes by when I don't think about him and miss him with all my heart.
And the pool? Yes, it's covered, but without constant care, it falls into disrepair. Recently, Mom called out a pool tech to see if there was a way to restore it, but his advice? Just fill it up with dirt. It was that bad!
So, that's exactly what Mom does.
Changes happen in this world whether we like them or not. I wasn't thrilled about letting go of that pool, but this was a necessary economic choice for Mom. I take comfort in the memories, though, of how things used to be.
But I take ultimate comfort in knowing that our Lord Jesus never changes. His Word will always stand, fresh and new, for all eternity.
And that's a blessing!
Amen!
Wonderful poignant post, Martha. We live in difficult times right now; and many trusts are tested to the limit. Yet, as best we can, we should remain firm and continue to trust in God, and to look forwards to better times ahead. Let us remember the many trials Moses and the Jews had when they left Egypt. Forty years to travel such a short distance. Faith was tested but not broken.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Ah, yes, Victor - faith was tested but not broken. May we rely upon and continue to trust in God, knowing the many blessings He has already bestowed upon us.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I'm so sorry about the loss of your dad. I miss my parents every day. It's sad that the pool had to be filled in but like you said, take comfort in the memories.
ReplyDeleteI will take comfort in those memories, Martha. And I don't think we ever stop missing our parents.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh, Martha, I know that had to be difficult for all of you. But certainly it makes good sense to do so. Wow, we often don't like the decisions we have to make, but when we realize they are for the best for many reasons, we can rest in knowing we have done the right thing, and God will find other special ways to bless us. (((hugs))).
ReplyDeleteYes, some decisions are harder than others, Pam, but we have to know the right time to act. God will, indeed, find other ways to bless us.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Awwww. Believe me, all the years we spent in Arizona tending to our own 'money pit' I entertained the idea of filling it in. :)
ReplyDeletePrecious memories you own. Like that old song lyric, "No, no. They can't take that away from me."
That's right, Myra - no one can take away our memories, thank goodness, and I have so many great ones. And you're so right about pools being money pits.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Many things have to be let go in this world only to be gained in the next. My mother went to see Jesus in 2004 and so my hope is I know I will see her again. As will you see your dad. Who knows? Maybe he is or will be chief pool-tender in the future.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about that, Bill. We certainly can't take it with us when we go home, nor should we want to. Dad is either working on the pool crew, or more likely, tending to gardens, his first love. One day, I pray, I will see him again.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Your post touched my heart -- not just for your loss but thinking about loss especially at this time of year. One of the biggest losses in my life was when our son, wife and two babies walked out of our lives. He is remarried and has 5 stepchildren and two more homemade babies. We have not seen any of them for 10 years and they live a few miles from us. I look forward to when that will change -- changes back to being a family again.
ReplyDeleteOh, Carol, my heart goes out anew to you when you share this sad and tragic story. I do pray he will one day wake up and realize that family, no matter what our differences, is the most valuable possession we have here on earth. The holidays always bring back memories, some good, some bad, but God will see us through.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Yes, everything in this world keeps changing, but our Great God remains steadfast. What a great future to look forward to. Blessings and love.
ReplyDeleteWhen God's in our future picture, Nells, we can be at all the changes that transpire here on earth. Let us cling to Him!
DeleteLove and blessings!
This one really pulled at my heartstrings, Martha. I can so relate. Oh, but what treasured sweet memories that can never be taken away!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you could relate to this story, Beckie. Thankfully, no one can take my memories from me.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I've long heard it said that "the one constant in life is change... "; and I've come to view this as a truism in this world. Nothing can, or should, remain the same. Perhaps God created us to always be changing; not stagnating. Wonderful analogies here Ms. Martha Jane. Thank you so much ma'am.
ReplyDeleteI agree, J. D., that change is inevitable, some for the better, some for the worse. Yet, when we remember that God is in it all, we can adapt to the changes and continue to live for Him and His kingdom.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh, happy memories, thank God for that. We had a jacuzzi when we lived in California, my husband took care of it just the way you described your father being busy with all the chemicals and cleaning. Change is not always easy, but I am sure you will be making new memories!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marja, for commenting here and on MeWe! New memories are indeed in the making, and I will be sure to hold on to the old ones.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, this post is so touching and so full of memories. In a world of constant change, I'm so thankful that our Lord never, ever changes and this includes His Word.
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings!
Oh, so am I, Kim! The fun we had at that pool and those memories will always be remembered fondly. Still, we press on toward the goal that God has envisioned for us.
DeleteLove and blessings!
It is such a blessing that our hearts can hold so many dear memories for us. We are able to close our eyes and get in touch with those times and it is ALMOST as good as being there. As we all learn, life does go on. Beautiful post, Martha Jane!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely a blessing, Terri! We can always treasure those memories and give thanks for all the good times God has given us and will give us in the future.
DeleteLove and blessings!
It's both funny and sad how homes quite often than not, fall into disrepair when our parents pass away. The beautiful homes that they sweated to build up and maintain, are just not the same without them.
ReplyDeleteNo, they are definitely not the same, Ed. But while our lives are full of changes, I'm so grateful that our Father is the same yesterday, today and forever.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Blessings to you, Martha. Changes are sometimes so hard, especially when we see our parents ageing. Your poor mom. Thank goodness you can take comfort in the memories!
ReplyDeleteYes, Laurie, I do take much comfort in the memories. I'm so glad God gave us that capacity, aren't you?
DeleteLove and blessings!